Rails to the West - 6 Day Rail Tour

Experience Whanganui's best kept secrets and explore New Plymouth's INCREDIBLE Americarna Celebrations!

Welcome aboard...

We would like to welcome you onboard ‘Rails to the West’. A 6 day getaway focusing on a pair of main centres up the North Island’s West Coast - Whanganui & New Plymouth, and on AMERICARNA - New Plymouth's annual gathering of American muscle! For 6 days, let us take the stress out of your travel, with our tour guide team who are available at any hour to take care of any thing that is not to your satisfaction. Our aim is to redefine your heritage rail experience, and create a life time of memories that you can look back on!

For the full tour itinerary and list of inclusions, please download the brochure by clicking here!

Email us or call 0800 783 264 to chat to our reservations team!

Itinerary

Tuesday 24th February & Wednesday 25th February - Exploring the River City

Wake up to the sweet surrounds of the Horowhenua district, a slice of rural paradise. Our diesel hauled private heritage train arrives behind Tatum’s great hall complex, ready and waiting to take us on our quest north towards Whanganui via the Marton - New Plymouth Line. At Whanganui, our coaches await, taking us to our accommodation, and onwards to a private dinner at Bushey Park Homestead - a surviving feature of Whanganui’s edwardian history.  After a  night’s rest, Whanganui has much in store! We tour round the Sarjeant Gallery, and visit NZ Glassworks before enjoying the late afternoon on the Waimarie enjoying some sumptuous local cuisine.

Thursday 26th February - A Taste of the Weekend

Enjoy a relaxed morning at your leisure before boarding your own private heritage train bound for Inglewood. Sit back in comfort as you journey through stunning Taranaki countryside. On arrival, dive into the vibrant energy of Americarna—Inglewood’s iconic celebration of classic American cars, live music, and street festivities. Soak up the atmosphere, explore the displays, and enjoy the local hospitality. As the festival winds down, you’ll be comfortably transferred by coach to your central New Plymouth hotel, ready to unwind or continue exploring. A perfect blend of relaxation, rail adventure, and automotive excitement in one unforgettable day.

Friday 27th February - Immerse in the Muscle

After a delicious breakfast at your hotel, you’ll travel by coach down to New Plymouth’s Wind Wand, to take part in something truly unique! Our specially curated train experience offers you a front row seat to witness the power and elegance of iconic muscle cars in action, all from the comfort of our heritage carriages. At Stratford, take a short walk down Broadway to view the muscle car line up, and at Hawera, take a wander down to High St to continue your look at the beautifully restored cars on show. Capture stunning photos and immerse yourself in a celebration of automotive history! A day of adrenaline, nostalgia and enjoyment.

Saturday 28th February - Explore the West

Today is entirely at your leisure. New Plymouth’s CBD offers a delightful mix of coastal and cultural attractions, all within an easy walk! Possibilities include a stroll along some of the stunning 13 km Coastal Walkway, where the iconic Wind Wand sculpture bends in Tasman Sea breezes and art‑adorned piers dot the route. Wander inland to Pukekura Park, a 52‑hectare botanical garden with lakes, fernery, free zoo and Teahouse on the Lake. Pop into Puke Ariki for interactive local history and a café, then dive into contemporary art at the Govett‑Brewster/Len Lye Centre. Finish by exploring heritage gems: the stone‑built St Mary’s Church, or the lush Huatoki Walkway through town. Perfect for a relaxing yet vibrant city adventure. Coach Shuttles available for those wishing to travel into the CBD.

Sunday 1st March - Homeward Bound

The final day! We invite you to sit back, relax and enjoy the view as we take you all the way from New Plymouth into the nation’s capital city of Wellington. Having loaded your luggage on the coach, you will soon board your heritage train for the leisurely run south. The journey continues through the rugged King Country, where deep gorges and native bush dominate the view. Curving southward, the track traverses viaducts and tunnels carved into the hill country, offering glimpses of remote settlements and river valleys. As we ege toward civilisation, the landscape opens into wide plains dotted with sheep and dairy farms. Beyond Palmerston North, the line parallels the Kapiti Coast, where the sea once again glimmers beside the track. As we roll into Wellington, nestled between harbour and hills, reflect on a special journey with those whom have accompanied you, concluding a special 6 days away.

Bookings

Per Person Twin Share - $3990

Per Person Single Supplement - $990

For the full tour itinerary and list of inclusions, please download the brochure by clicking here!

Email us or call 0800 783 264 to chat to our reservations team!

Prior booking is essential. All seating is reserved, and accommodation is limited.